Holiday Prep Checklist

From Momologie

Having a plan going into the end-of-year holiday season makes it possible to juggle all of the celebrations, decorating, shopping, parties, mailings, gift giving, vacations and so on.  You’ll be able to enjoy a stress free string of activities if you spread out the planning and work throughout the last few months of the year.

September

• Decide if you’ll be traveling for the holidays and set a fare rate reminder

October

• Book your travel early (by early November at the latest)
• Prepare your gift list and watch for early sales on items you know your loved ones will want
• Book your family photo shoot if you’re going to a studio

Early November

• Finalize your gift list and try to complete the bulk of your shopping before the post-Thanksgiving rush
• Schedule an informal family photo day

Late November

• Put together holiday card list, choose photos and place a card order
• If traveling, book a house sitter
• Prepare for Hanukkah festivities and shop for gifts

First Week of December

• If making your own holiday card, create and print; Begin addressing
• Shop for family gifts to be shipped out of town and teacher gifts
• Unpack holiday decorations and start decorating your home
• Plan your holiday festivities calendar
• Invite family and friends for holiday celebrations via e-mail or by phone
• Create your entertaining menu
• Final preparations for Hanukkah (December 12-19, 2009)
• Be sure you have supplies needed to begin gift wrapping (lots of tape, paper, ribbon and bows)

Second Week of December

• Ship out-of-town presents
• Buy stamps and mail or e-mail holiday cards
• Finalize shopping (unless you like the crowds, avoid last minute holiday shopping for more than a couple of gifts)
• Finish decorating your home and tree
• Review our Holiday Entertaining Checklist for step-by-step info on preparing to host a party, follow accordingly

Third Week of December

• Finish holiday shopping and wrapping presents
• Give presents or money cards to mommy’s helpers (babysitter, dog walker, cleaning lady, hairdresser, etc.)
• Create a timeline for preparing food ahead for year-end parties or events
• If you’re hosting a meal, organize platters, serving pieces, and table linens
• Decide centerpiece of table
• Order baked goods if not baking for the holidays

Fourth Week of December (Christmas Week 2009)

• Wrap all presents
• Take gifts to teachers before school lets out

One Week Before Your Event

• Make a grocery list and purchase dry goods and ingredients for holiday meals

A Few Days Before Any Activity in Your Home

• Clean up the house and prepare the guest bathroom
• Start prepping by making dishes ahead of time and freezing
• Set up party space

The Day Before

• Set and decorate the table
• Bake desserts and prepare side dishes
• Set out gifts or favors

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